Airlines

Airbus in talks to sell more A220 jets to Delta.

PARIS — According to two people familiar with the situation, European aircraft manufacturer Airbus is negotiating to increase Delta Air Lines’ current order for A220 light jetliners. The deal for a top-up order of around a dozen aircraft could be signed at next week’s Farnborough Airshow where the U.S. carrier is also widely expected to finalize an order for at least 100 Boeing 737 MAX airliners.

Regarding conversations with customers, Airbus declined to comment. Delta also choose not to respond. According to end-June Airbus data, the airline has ordered 95 A220s with Canadian design, of which 56 have been delivered.

Reuters first reported in March that Boeing was in talks with Delta for some 100 of its 737 MAX 10 jets. Delta Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian said in June the airline was trying to reach a deal with Boeing. Bastian did not disclose a deal with Airbus or Boeing during a teleconference with investors on Wednesday, but he did say that the airline could place some extra orders. He continued by saying that Delta is in a strong position with orders but anticipates potential for significant narrow-body purchases over the next three to five years.

There is opportunity whether it is new or used, according to Bastian, who noted that they frequently discuss it with Airbus and Boeing. We have a steady stream of wide-bodies arriving. Therefore, I would suggest that the massive thin bodies are the main focus in the final five years.

Airlines

Sanctions & Engine Issues Ground Half of Russia’s A320neo fleet

Russia’s aviation sector, already strained by Western sanctions, faces another setback as nearly half of its Airbus A320neo family aircraft are grounded due to unresolved engine issues.

This development highlights the growing challenges for russia commercial aircraft in maintaining their fleets under the weight of global restrictions and limited access to spare parts.

Out of the 66 Airbus A320neo and A321neo jets in Russia, 34 are now out of service, according to the Kommersant business newspaper. These planes are powered by engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation.

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The engines are affected by a previously identified defect in the metal used for certain parts, prompting accelerated inspections and maintenance.

Sanctions have compounded the issue, blocking the supply of essential components from major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. Without proper maintenance, experts warn that these aircraft may face decommissioning as early as 2026.

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Airlines like S7, which operates a significant portion of these grounded jets, plan to conserve the engines for future use during peak travel seasons. However, reports suggest that over 20 of S7’s Airbus planes have engines that have already reached the end of their operational lifespan. Recently, russia seeks assistance from kazakhstan’s airlines to bolster its domestic flights.

While some A320neo and A321neo planes in Russia are equipped with French-made LEAP engines, which are seen as less problematic, the challenges remain daunting.

The situation underscores the long-term impact of sanctions on Russia’s aviation sector and the increasing difficulties in keeping its modern fleets operational.